February 2010
This page last updated: 2/4/2010

Welcome to the website of the Bellevue High School Band program, home of the Wolverines! This site is intended to be a communication tool for band students and parents. Check back regularly throughout the year for information regarding the BHS ban ds.

February will be another busy (and short) month for the Bellevue HS band students! There are band events going on weekly, so keeping up with the band calendar is essential. It is each student’s responsibility to be keep track of his/her commitments. Parents , anything you can do to help keep your student organized and on time is appreciated!

Congratulations to all of the band students that performed at the Eastshore Region Solo & Ensemble Festival on January 30th. I believe it was a valuable learning experience for all participants. Hopefully, we can get more kids interested in performing at this event in future years. I am very pleased to acknowledge Brian lawrence who was recognized as the runner-up in the alto saxophone solo category. I am hopeful that he will be able to participate in the State Solo Contest at CWU in April. Congratulations, Brian!

The Wind Ensemble will be performing at the CWU Wind Ensemble Festival (March 5) and the Eastshore Region Band I Festival (March 9). The itinerary for the trip to CWU is now posted on this website. The students are preparing the following pieces: Suite of Old American Dances and Southern Hymn. Students must be practicing regularly. Our success depends upon your commitment to “own the part.” REQUIRED COMBINED REHEARSALS (winds & percussion) will be February 23, February 25, and March 4^th during tutorial.

The Concert Band is working on three new pieces for the Spring Concert (March 18) as well as the Eastshore Region Band II Festival (March 23). Students must be practicing Fall River Overture, Irish Ayre for Winds, and American Riversongs. All instruments must be brought home for regular practice. Our success depends upon your commitment to “own the part.” Playing tests on the festival music are coming!

Congratulations to all the members of the Jazz Band on their recent performances at the Auburn-Riverside (1^st place) and Viking Jazz Festivals! Moving forward, Jazz Band students have several new pieces to be working on as we are in the midst of “festival season.” Organize your sectionals, practice your solo changes, and be listening to your reference recordings religiously! On Sunday, March 14 the Jazz Band will be performing from 3 – 4pm at Tula’s Jazz Club in Seattle. Everyone is welcome to hear this performance! At this point our hotel rooms are reserved and the charter bus is booked for our trip next month to Spokane to compete in the Jazz Northwest Festival. Money for this trip is due by Friday, February 12! If you have not paid yet, please get your check ($135 payable to BHS) to Mr. Caruso ASAP!

Given the continued success of the girls and boys basketball teams, the pep band will likely be performing at upcoming basketball playoff games in February and March if they can reasonably be fit into our busy schedule. Details will be provided as they become available.

Students, registration for next year’s classes will be happening very soon. I would love to have all of you back in the band program next year! Whether it is percussion ensemble, concert band, wind ensemble, or jazz band; there is a place for everyone to feel successful and experience the joys of making music on a daily basis. I hope we can continue our pat tern of growth and musical excellence together in the years to come!

Parents and students, don’t forget that we will need your time and energy again for the 28^th Annual Bellevue High School Jazz Festival on Friday April 30^th and Saturday May 1^st. Get involved in making your student’s musical experience more rewarding! The band program is better as a result of your support. Please go to the “ boosters ” link or contact Band Booster President Leslie Bigos for information.

Vince Caruso

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